Next Generation AV upgrades you didn't know you needed

(This is Part One in a three-part series of articles on little known accessories that will enhance the Next Generation console experience.)

As each generation of Gaming Consoles find there way into homes, their advanced capabilities continue to stretch the limits of consumer's entertainment equipment. Starting with the Xbox 360 and continuing to the Playstation 3, the "Next-Gen" consoles have arrived, sporting everything from networking capabilities to Hi-Definition output. As a result, the gaming hub of the player's household needs to become more flexible and accommodate the demands placed on it. In this series of articles, I will discuss three little known accessories that can and will enhance your gaming experience to handle the next gen consoles.

The first item we will look at is a manual HDMI switch from Daewoo.

Product: Daewoo HDMI Link 2-Channel HDMI Manual Switcher

Model: IN-TS10063

Approximate cost: $110 - $130

For many people that purchased a Hi-Definition television between 2003-2006, a HDMI port could usually be found somewhere on the television. Unfortunately, the majority of these TVs only had one port. Now, most HD components including cable boxes, satellite receivers, up convert and HD DVD players as well as the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 (near future) will all support HDMI output.

There is a simply solution to the quandary of only one HDMI input, and it isn't to buy a new TV. By investing in the Daewoo Manual HDMI switcher, anyone can quickly double their HDMI inputs. Although a bit on the pricy side with retail cost approximately $130, it sure beats spending a $1,000 plus to buy a Home Theater receiver that supports HDMI switching.

The switch is HDCP compliant and will pass through all HD signals including 1080p. Made from metal and sturdy plastic, the exterior is beefy enough to handle even excessive use.

The Skinny

This simple solution can quickly give you the HDMI inputs that you need to support multiple devices. Although price may be a deterrent, comparable units can cost up to 5 times as much.

Pros:

Supports all HD resolutions (including 1080p)

HDCP Compliant

Sturdy Construction

Cons:

Price

Manual Switch

Only available for 2 Inputs

The Daewoo source selector can be found at Best Buy and other online retailers.

* The product in this article was sent to us by the developer/company for review.

About Author

I spent the greater part of my informative years glued to the front of a Commodore 64 after we wore out our Intellivision. If you were in the Toledo area surfing C-64 bulletin boards in the mid 80's, we probably have already met. When not running the BBS, I spent countless hours wandering around the streets of Skara Brae, as my life was immersed in The Bard's Tale series on the C-64. After taking the early 90's off from gaming (college years) minus the occasional Bill Walsh College Football on Sega, I was re-introduced to PC games in the mid 1990's with a couple of little games called DOOM II and Diablo. I went all-in with the current generation of consoles, getting an Xbox 360 on launch weekend as well as adding a PS3 and Wii in subsequent years.

While my byline is on many reviews, articles and countless news stories, I have a passion for and spent the last several years at GamingNexus focusing on audio & video and accessories as they relate to gaming. Having over 15 years of Home Theater consulting and sales under my belt, it is quite enjoyable to spend some of my time viewing gaming through the A/V perspective. While I haven't yet made it to one of the major gaming conventions (PAX or E3), I have represented GamingNexus at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas for the last six years.

I have been a staff member at GamingNexus since 2006 and feel lucky to have the opportunity to put to use my B.A. in Journalism from The Ohio State University.